Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University volleyball head coach Haley Janicek announced her resignation, Friday, to devote time to her family.

Janicek recently completed her first season as the Lady Govs head coach, leading Austin Peay to a 26-8 record, the program’s first OVC Tournament Championship since 1991 and its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Volleyball Championship.

Lady Govs Volleyball. (Courtesy: Robert Smith/The Leaf-Chronicle)

“I am extremely grateful to Cheryl and Dave for giving me the opportunity to lead such an amazing group of young women,” Janicek said. “Watching these young women develop off the court had been even more rewarding than their accomplishments on the court. I will miss being part of the Austin Peay family and with this group of women. I trust that their success will continue.”

Janicek moved to Clarksville in 2009 with her husband Matt, who is currently deployed in Afghanistan and expected to return with his unit in April. She was hired as an assistant coach by then-head coach Mike Johnson in August 2009.

She met with Athletics Director Dave Loos and Assistant Athletics Director Cheryl Holt, Thursday, to inform them of her plans. Janicek confirmed that decision Friday.

“This was really a difficult decision for Haley,” said Holt, APSU Senior Woman Administrator. “We owe her a debt of gratitude. She stepped in to the job in July, took over the team and led them to all of their accomplishments. Haley is an incredible young lady who was very mature in the way she managed the team this season. For someone so young she got it. It can take some coaches years and years to get what this profession is about.

“I’m happy for her and support her decision. I understand why she made this decision. It’s unfortunate for the program and our university that she’s not going to be here another year.”

Janicek was completing a temporary contract as the program’s head coach after taking over Johnson, who left in July to take the head coaching position at Xavier. The athletics department recently posted the position and that process will continue with new emphasis.

“We are amidst a search for our next volleyball head coach,” Holt said. “My concerns are for our players and recruits and, of course, our fans. I want to assure all of them we will be moving forward with our volleyball program.”